Anti-Poaching Advocate to Deliver Lecture at Brookfield Zoo

Submitted by the Chicago Zoological Society.

BROOKFIELD, IL — The illegal trafficking of wildlife is one of the world’s largest criminal industries, with repeated links to terrorism networks. Find out from Damien Mander, founder of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), what is being done to help save and protect some of the most sought-after species—rhinos and elephants—during an intriguing lecture on Thursday, October 27, time, in Brookfield Zoo’s Discovery Center.

Using all of his life savings, Mander created IAPF in 2009 with a mission of developing, implementing, and providing anti-poaching solutions to protect rhinos and elephants from illegal poaching. IAPF plays a critical role in safeguarding these and other endangered species, as well as their critical habitats. In his presentation, Mander will discuss the role of anti-poaching rangers in southern Africa and what is required today to protect the environment for tomorrow. He will also talk about the organization’s role in working alongside partners, who specialize in community engagement, research, wildlife rescue, and biodiversity management.

Additionally, he will discuss how we can all be agents for change in a generation that is challenging the natural world.

Mander is a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper, who is now devoting his life to saving some of the world’s most charismatic animals so future generations will be able to appreciate them.

The cost for the lecture, which includes a wine and cheese reception, is $16 ($13 for zoo members). For reservations and further information, visit www.CZS.org/lecture or call (708) 688-8000.

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Photo courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society.